Sunday, February 19, 2012

Puerto Vallarta: a place for the fortunate, and less-fortunate


Many years ago I went to Israel at a time when governments were warning travellers not to go there. I always remember a sign on a jewelry store window…15% discount for brave tourists!

I have been thinking about this sign during the past week as I lounged about a Conchas Chinos beachside condominium and wandered the streets of Puerto Vallarta. This is my first visit to PV in twenty years; however, my wife has been coming here annually with two friends for the past ten. One of them liked the place so much she and her husband purchased a condominium above us and her daughter recently got married here.

As I write, the Canadian government is warning tourists about travel to Mexico. In addition to the gangland slayings that regularly occur, (an estimated 50,000 deaths over the last 5 years), there have been a couple of tragic and unusual incidents involving Canadian tourists.

Of course, anyone who knows the country knows that PV is about as far away from Mexican drug lord violence as Ambleside Village. However, this hasn’t stopped many tourists from cancelling travel plans, even to this part of the country. Sadly portions of the beach outside all-inclusive resorts were quite deserted when I recently visited. I’m also told that flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta are less than full, which was not the case in the past.

Puerto Vallarta is a city of contrasts. In recent years the old town has seen some major upgrading with an attractive new waterfront walkway known as the Malecon and wide new sidewalks along some streets. However, there are also many streets that are difficult to navigate due to uneven surfaces, high curbs, garbage and debris.

While there are many attractive hotels and resorts, there are also signs of abandoned resort developments visible along the main thoroughfares.

The buildings are also very mixed. There are many upscale shops, galleries and restaurants. However, they are often interspersed with decaying or partially renovated buildings, vacant storefronts, and scenes that one does not generally find in tourist brochures.

The neighbourhood where I am staying is just south of the town centre. Conchas Chinos is generally regarded as an upscale area with many expensive hillside villas and condominiums overlooking the ocean. While the condominium market has been in the doldrums over the past few years, due in large part from the disappearance of American buyers, a surprising number of new projects are underway. Prices range from under $100,000 for a new studio to well over $1million for penthouse suites. A good quality, two bedroom, two bathroom condominium apartment in a well maintained older building will be in the mid $300’s.

North of the old town is Nuevo Vallarta, in the neighbouring state of Nayarit. A master planned resort community, now being branded as Riviera Nayarit, it includes a number of large all-inclusive resorts, hotels, condominiums, timeshares, marinas and golf courses. I was surprised to learn that one of the larger new community developments, Paradise Village, has a Vancouver connection. It was started by Graziano Sovernigo, a Canadian-Italian developer from West Vancouver who according to the Paradise Village website has spent the past 22 years developing resorts in Mexico.

It's an impressive development, with a number of new projects underway. Sadly, the one thing it is missing is 'a village centre'. Instead, it has an enclosed mall with too many vacancies.

Since I had never heard of Sovernigo, I Googled him and was interested to discover his involvement with a charitable undertaking known as Families at the Dump.

For many years, visitors to the area were increasingly aware that there were families living amongst the garbage in the city dump. A partnership was formed between Sovernigo and concerned community residents which has led to the provision of support services and other community amenities for these people.

More details about this initiative can be found here: http://www.pvrpv.com/blog/families-at-the-dump-celebrates-5-years-in-puerto-vallarta/

For those of you who are wondering whether it is safe to come to Puerto Vallarta and similar resort areas in Mexico, I would say most definitely. While at first I was 'on my guard', I quickly realized this is a reasonably safe place to be. However, if, as reported in this week's PV News someone tells you there is a ketchup stain on your shirt and pants, don't let them take you into the washroom to clean you off...because what they really want to do is take your wallet and clean you out!

But of course, this could happen almost everywhere...except perhaps Ambleside Village!

54 comments:

susanopera said...

There is also "no problema in Ixtapa", lots of French Canadians and folks from Ontariario too!

Yah know, I think it is all about common sense, and, think about what you do; how and where you do it!

Lots of Mexico City tourists in Ixtapa for a 3 day weekend and they are mostly on a bus from Mexico City - 10 hours away - each way.

The State of Mexico football and volleyball teams - all 60 of them, WON respective titles competing this weekend - well a Mexico time weekend - Thursday to Sunday and VIVA! (Mostly university students on the teams!)

Oh yah... the margaritas and "palomas" are great too!

Did I mention the AWESOME fresh seafood that is cheap and "deelish!"

Next stop for me is Zurich --- brrrrr!

Michael, thanks for sharing your thoughts, photos and VIVA MEXICO!

Canadians are still coming here!

Susan

John Youden said...

Thank you, Michael, for writing this and also the Vancouver Sun for picking up the story. This comes from a Canadian who has made PV his home for the past 25 years, and who also wrote the article in the Vallarta Real Estate Guide that you quoted (Thank you!).

I'm currently in Vancouver, visiting friends and family, so it was interesting to hear the perspective of a Vancouverite who has just returned from Vallarta, especially with the positive slant to it - something that unfortunately we don't get enough of in much of the media today. Mainstream media will take anything that happens in Mexico and portray it likes it's happening that way throughout the whole country. What happens in Tijuana or Nogales, is not necessarily what is happening in Puerto Vallarta. As in what happens in Toronto is not necessarily what happens in Kitsilano. Its been a media trend that has been very difficult to overcome.

And its wonderful to hear people express that such a beautiful city like Vancouver could learn a little from a place like Vallarta, regarding its streets, Malecon and sidewalks! Having been through a number of economic and real estate cycles in Vallarta, I realize that what Vallarta is going through now is a catch-up phase. When the real estate market is booming, its difficult for the city to keep up with infrastructure needs. With the current slow-down in the market, Vallarta is now catching up by completely overhauling the Malecon (excellent job, no?), new sidewalks, viewpoints for tourists and improving streets and access to town. Somehow the funds are found, and the work gets done.

The false security issue has been very difficult on Vallarta, its people and businesses. I think that soon–and I believe this is already starting to happen–people will not fall to media sensationalism, they will begin to have mainstream media "fatigue" regarding the misleading stories published about the town, that more people such as yourself will be heard with true stories of what life is like in PV, and people will return once again. And Puerto Vallarta will be ready, with its new sidewalks, roads and Malecon!

John Youden

Keith said...

It is nice to see an rational position in the press. We live here all winter and our friends in Vancouver often ask us about how safe we feel. We say we are much safer that in the east side of Vancouver. If you take reasonable precautions like anyone should in a tourist destination, it is a perfectly safe place.

We do not have a polyanna attitude. We have bars on our windows (the Mexican standard) and carry miminal cash when cruising around downtown late at night.

Although PV has a full time population of 350k, during peak periods it is rumoured to be over 1000k. It is a good target for scam artists and petty criminals. They have introduced TaxiSafePV to ensure that tourists feel safe.

This is our home in the winter and we have never felt unsafe in over 30 years of wintering here.

Michael Geller said...

John and Keith. Thank you both for taking the time to write. I will do what I can to promote your views since I think it is important for the public to get a more balanced perspective of the situation there.

ps John, I know that it's always a bit odd to find one's words being repeated by others; and pleased that you didn't think I misrepresented what you wrote! cheers

Rental Condos Puerto Vallarta said...

Hello Dude,

Puerto Vallarta is not like many tourist traps, it is not an artificial creation specifically created to strip tourists from their cash, with innumerable expensive parks, shops and resorts, all custom designed to get the most money out of your wallet in the least possible time. Thanks for sharing it......

Tracey said...

was among about 100 mining towns in Alabama located in or near the Upper Gold Your efforts as a forex affiliate certainly do not go unnoticed at eToro. A wonderful factor on your behalf if perhaps you're making investment in gold. Humanity is squandering its resources, mostly on trinkets and pleasures, which Buffet also loves to peddle. A Fashion Icon is BornMichael Kors was born and raised on Long Island, a suburb of New York

Unknown said...

ery nice information about Top 5 Beach Resorts in Mexico! If you are planning your next vacations, These beach resorts will be great as your option. Anyway, you can also read more information about
all inclusive resorts caribbean

Anonymous said...

Hi there to every one, for the reason that I am really eager of reading this website's post to be updated daily. It consists of nice stuff.

Feel free to surf to my site; best registry cleaner

Anonymous said...

What's up to every body, it's my first pay a visit of this weblog; this blog consists of awesome and truly fine data in support of
readers.

Feel free to visit my weblog :: charleston il high school

Anonymous said...

I used to be able to find good info from your content.


Also visit my weblog ... exercises for vertical

Anonymous said...

When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me
when new comments are added- checkbox and from
now on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails
with the exact same comment. Is there a means you can
remove me from that service? Many thanks!

Also visit my site - p90x2 exercises names

Anonymous said...

Magnificent goods from you, man. I've understand your stuff previous to and you're just too fantastic.
I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous site.

Check out my website ... exercises to increase vertical jump

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would
genuinely benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!

Check out my page; calculate bmr

Anonymous said...

Thanks in support of sharing such a good thought, post
is good, thats why i have read it entirely

My site; tie dye

Anonymous said...

whoah this blog is fantastic i love studying your articles.
Keep up the great work! You understand, lots of persons are
looking around for this info, you could help them
greatly.

Feel free to visit my webpage :: breakfast 30328

Anonymous said...

Hоwdу! I knοw thіs iѕ ѕomewhat οff topіc but I wаs
wonԁегіng if you knew ωhеre I could locate
a сaptсha plugіn for my сomment
form? І'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm hаving problеms finԁing one?
Thankѕ а lot!

Rеvіeω mу blog: make money uploading videos

Anonymous said...

I seldom comment, however after looking at a few of the
responses here "Puerto Vallarta: a place for the fortunate, and less-fortunate".
I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Is it just me or does it look like some of the comments appear like they are written by brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are posting on other places, I would like to follow you. Could you make a list of all of all your social community sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

Visit my web-site: keyword tool

Anonymous said...

Hey there! This post could not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my
good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.
I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will
have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

Also visit my webpage :: http://Socialzit.com/index.php?do=/profile-74970/info

Anonymous said...

I've read several just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to create this type of fantastic informative website.

Here is my blog ... workouts to improve vertical leap

Anonymous said...

Your style is unique compared to other people I have
read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity,
Guess I'll just book mark this page.

Feel free to visit my page workouts To improve vertical jump

Anonymous said...

Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying
this info.

my homepage - http://verticaljump.einfohound.com/vertical-jump-program-reviews/increase-your-vertical-jump-best-programs-rated

Anonymous said...

What's up, just wanted to mention, I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

Look into my blog post :: seo service pricing

Anonymous said...

I'm not capable of view this web site properly on saffari I believe there's a drawback

Feel free to visit my web-site :: why am i not getting pregnant

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rentals said...

In a Five Star Luxury Villa you will experience the height of luxury living. We are pleased to bring you our premier collection of vacation homes in the world’s most coveted destinations. Five Star Luxury Villas takes you from the trés chic avenues of Paris’ Left Bank to the magical desert oasis of Los Cabos

Unknown said...

This is an amaging post. For information go <a href="http://www.signsofpregnancy24.com/>Signs of Pregnancy</a>

Anonymous said...

Trading With Forex FBS
Just Only 5$ You Make Profit 1000%

ADMIN : www.forexfbs.net

Sameer said...

Some great ideas here. I generally get the comfort and food setup about right, Thanks! Really this is amazing place to get Travel Discount - Redbus Promo Codes

BigBasket Grocery Coupons said...

Amazing Info, Keep it up! Will back soon for next great stuff.

Smyth Jorden said...

Really great information. "Puerto Vallarta: a place for the fortunate, and less-fortunate"

Visit for Bigbasket Coupon

oyo rooms offers said...

i love this post..Αamazing..Great blog! enjoy reading it.eхсеllent post, very іnfoгimitativeness my web page and many discount offers hotel booking all over worlds..please visit
oyo rooms offers

Dubai SEO Company  said...

Tornado UAE is an Online SEO based company in Dubai. We provide Online Marketing Solutions such as SEO, SEM, AdWord, E-Marketing etc. in UAE.
https://www.tornadouae.com/

Affiliate Marketing said...

Thanks for your sharing.Your article is very useful, it gives me more understanding.Your ideas is much better then others,because your ways to written is very simple and technically strong. thanks again to share your valuable ideas


Unknown said...

coach outlet store
christian louboutin
jordan shoes
uggs
ralph lauren
nmd shoes
longchamp outlet store
adidas yeezy
nike air max
cheap uggs
20170114

Zahid Hossain said...

Grand products from you, man. I've comprehend your stuff past to and you're quite recently excessively incredible.

I really like what you have obtained here, absolutely like what you're expressing and the route in which you say it. You make it charming regardless you watch over to keep it savvy. I can not hold up to peruse significantly more from you. This is truly a gigantic site.
You can Check it Golf Gps Reviews

Taj Nin Niha said...

Hi Administrator,
Your website content is very useful for the people and also informative. Users really wants like that effective information which you given. so please keep it up your work.

well, this is my site brochure maker

you may visit and can share your opinion with us.

Monalisha said...

Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine

Unknown said...

Not sure if you guys know but there is a new collection of Lavish Hotels and Resorts with the best collection of hotels and resorts in the world. They only list 10 of the best and they are amazing! You guys have to check it out, they are insane!
http://lavishhotelsandresorts.com/

Beach Watch Luxury Home Services said...

Beach Watch Luxury Home Services
PREVENTIVE CARE SERVICES FOR YOUR LUXURY HOME
Beach Watch is the number one leader in home watch services with packages starting at $150 per month.
We offer preventive care services for your Luxury Home, Condominium, and Estate properties.
We are on call 24/7 for emergencies and provide contractor services for all of your small projects.
We also provide senior companion care services as well as professional cleaning services.

buy toys said...

Have you ever looked for cute iPhone cases for iPhone X or even for the oldest one iPhone 4 ? if your answer is yes then you have to take a look at this amazing online store’s iPhone cases collection. They provide their customers iPhone tempered glass to keep iPhone screens as safe as possible! I also recommend women to take a look at their new women necklace sale which offers a wide variety of new cute neck jewelries at lowest prices you can ever imagine!
https://aixonne.com/l/necklace.html
https://aixonne.com/l/iPhoneTemperedGlass.html
https://aixonne.com/l/iPhoneCase.html

Casa Yvonneka said...

All the pictures posted here look great.I have found some good information about different hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta, this is perfect! Thank you so much for the info.

villas puerto Vallarta

Transformational Sales, Service and Operations Director said...

Aaron Steeves, Senior Transformational Operations and Service Management Executive, open to relocation, with a proven track record in leading both established and start-up organizations * Passionate about developing teams through mentoring individuals, while aligning people/work to build a collaborative work environment * Building consensus and improving working relationships through change of culture * Creative and collaborative leadership skills in demanding situations to drive expected results * Excel at resolving problems that ensure consistent and continuous forward progress * Integrate a Qualitative and Quantitative approach to measuring customer experience, product usage and overall customer satisfaction to drive improved performance and set benchmarks for employee excellence and development. Key areas of expertise include:

Executive Leadership
Service Management
Program Management
Customer Service
Operations Management
Strategic Planning
Contract Design & Execution
Project Management
Program Development
Industry Expert
Mentoring and Training
Full P/L Responsibility
Migration of Service Departments to Cloud-Based Platform
Change Management
Forecasting
Marketing and Promotion
Sales Management

NFL Computer Predictions and Rankings said...

Unleash Paradigm Shattering Artificial Intelligency to Revolutionize your Sport Bets and Rise Above the Competition!

Unknown said...

بعضی از متن ها دارای کلمه های خیلی تخصصی هستند. ترجمه متن های تخصصی به مراتب سخت تر از ترجمه متن های عمومی است. یک مترجم خوب برای اینکه بتواند متون فارسی را به انگلیسی و متون انگلیسی را به فارسی به بهترین شکل ممکن ترجمه کند ، باید با فرهنگ هر دو کشور آشنا باشد تا بتواند یک ترجمه تخصصی پزشکی را ارائه دهد.

Website Ranking said...

I'm a professional SEO specialist with qualified 5+ years of experience in Digital Marketing Company in Bangladesh, and with this Gig, you have the opportunity to use my experience to your benefit.

CREATIVE VIDEO ADVERTISING/ said...

We believe that video is the most powerful medium for Enterprise branding and image promotion. Since then, it helps the business of the enterprise become more and more developed

The color Picture said...

The Color Picture is EKIP Professional film production with services including: TVC production, business introduction film, Viral video, Motion graphic, Video marketing content ....

Lahcen Travels is a travel company in Morocco said...

Lahcen Travels organize tours and travels with 4×4 and all kind of vihucules and quad bikes routes in all Morocco also in merzouga(Erg Chebbi, Erg Znigui and Erg Ouzina), deserts located around Merzouga. We take care of providing you with an experience of driving these vehicles to know the places of Morocco. We organize tours in groups or private. Join a memorable adventure,

Blog said...

TBATHROOM REMODELre
Our Great Team Will Walk You Through The Process Including Carefully Planning and Providing Ideas, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, And Advice Along In Your Journey As You Will Be Able To Verify In Our Pinterest Bathroom Remodel Board Build Using The Experience From Real People As You Are!

Our Digital Advertising Means Business… said...


Digital advertising includes a spread of powerful advertising tactics online that, when used correctly, generates leads, finds new customers, builds awareness and drives more profit for you!

Blog said...

Digital advertising

Blog said...

Good post click here

Unknown said...

Is your website not ranked on the 1st page of Google?
We'll provide website ranking (SEO service) you with a guaranteed Google Page # 1 ranking for selected keywords. Buy now Website ranking

BillyeOneil said...

My brother suggested I might like this website. He was once totally right. This publish truly made my day. You can not imagine just how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks! Appartment for sale Vallarta

Natalie Lanham said...

The article "7 Tips for Photographers Who Never Photograph People" provides valuable insights for photographers who primarily shoot landscapes, wildlife, or objects, but are interested in expanding their skills to include portraits. The tips range from selecting the right gear and location, to posing and engaging with subjects, to post-processing techniques. By following these tips, photographers can confidently capture stunning portraits and grow their portfolio.

Portrait photography guidelines